Team UK’s golden duo

A bricklayer from Warrington and a cabinet maker from Chichester proved to be golden for the UK as they were honoured as the best young tradesmen in the world.

Twenty one-year-olds Ashley Terron and George Callow took top spots at the WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 closing ceremony.

A visibly moved Ashley told FE Week just moments after learning of his success: “I’m so happy. I saw my mum and my dad when my gold was announced and they were going crazy.

“I’ve lived WorldSkills for the past two years, but I wasn’t expecting to win anything.

“It means everything to me. It will change my life – I’m the world’s best young bricklayer now.”

George, who also scored highest among Team UK to claim the best in nation award, said: “I knew I’d done well in the tasks, but thought there was really little in it.

“I tried my best, but when I saw other countries winning golds I thought ‘maybe it’s not our year’.

“But I’m ecstatic. All the hard work I’ve put in has paid off.”

A silver medal added to Team UK’s awards haul thanks to the stonemasonry efforts of Somerset 21-year-old Robert Broomsgrove. Three bronzes came Team UK’s way, too, courtesy of 22-year-olds Matthew Quinn, from Northern Ireland, in autobody repair; Benjamin Tullett, from Hampshire, in aircraft maintenance; and, Matthew Crane, from Bristol, in electrical installations.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “British ambition and ingenuity has once again taken on and beaten the best in the world and I extend my congratulations to Team UK.

“As we compete in the global race, this government is on the side of ambitious young people who want to work hard and get on and we will continue in our efforts to build the biggest and best apprenticeship programme.”

There were also 17 medallions for excellence dished out among Team UK members who hit world class scores in their skill.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Congratulations to Team UK who brought home six medals and 17 medallions for excellence.

“They have demonstrated that when it comes to skills Britain has world class ability.

“Vocational skills are important to the success of every business. That’s why in these difficult times I have prioritised apprenticeship funding, so that employers can access the country’s talent to help build a stronger economy.”

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “Congratulations to Team UK on their fantastic achievements at WorldSkills.

“They have played a hugely important role in promoting the importance and value of vocational skills and practical learning to young people, their parents and employers.”

Paul Morris

Phil Hyde

Congrats to Ashley and George – now they know how Andy Murray feels! Well done to FE Week as well for proving again that the paper is at the heart of what’s going on – in two years it really has become the must-read document in the sector.

Bhairavi Tarkas

Well done team UK. We can scale ladder of success from 2 to the 10 gold next year. We have 17 Medallion for Excellence, to progress to gold and silver a little more clever input and skills training. A challenge for skills training UK mentors. We can do it. Keep it up.

Apprenticeships Life

Fantastic, awesome achievement. Really proud to be in the industry today, with such amazing, dedicated candidates. A heartfelt congratulations from all in apprenticeships Life.
Bravo guys and gals, bravo!

Steve Ingle

A super achievement for all involved. What stuck me was the list of vocational subjects in this list of achievement. This really is so important in raising the status and importance of vocational education, vocational learners and the dedicated dual professionals who work with them. Well done Team UK!